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Columbia, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The City of Columbia set out to provide outdoor seating along Main Street, an area that attracts pedestrians and hosts events that draw visitors from the surrounding region. Project organizers say that people now have a spot to work on their laptops, enjoy a cup of coffee or take in a meal from nearby food trucks. Although staff originally removed and stored the tables at the end of each day, their popularity spurred the City to leave them out permanently. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the colorful tables and chairs provided residents with a safe space to gather outside. Because the seating is heavily used, the City has explored more ways to provide seating on Main Street.

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project will enlist volunteers of all ages to repaint faded sidewalk art, improving wayfinding and walkability. The playful design will visually connect the sidewalks to a nearby pedestrian plaza and green spaces.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project installed a giant fabric shade with a design of geometric shapes above an outdoor shopping plaza in the Victoria Park neighborhood to provide shade and a better location for cultural events and activities.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Chillicothe, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: A planning study revealed a lack of accessibility throughout the Chillicothe Transit System, with some riders sitting on the ground while they wait for the bus. To address this, the City stepped in the make bus stops more accommodating for riders of all ages and abilities. First, project organizers identified areas of town with high numbers of older adult transit riders and passengers with mobility challenges. Then they installed benches -- as well as swing sets -- at several bus stops. They also added bus shelters at two stops and erected new signage at more than 60 others. In the future, project organizers plan to add a mural to the pavement at the local library's bus stop. Organizers say the improvements make waiting for the bus more comfortable, which may lead to increased ridership.

Lancaster, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Two bike audits will identify needed improvements along a path linking a high school and a community park in Fairfield. The county will share the results with city officials to guide future planning.

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